Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis put up a spirited fight but ultimately saw her memorable and lucrative Australian Open campaign come to an end on Monday night. World No.2 Iga Swiatek proved too strong, claiming a ruthless 6-0, 6-2 victory in their fourth-round encounter at Rod Laver Arena.
A Harsh Lesson Against Elite Competition
Swiatek delivered her 33rd bagel in grand slam tennis during a dominant first set, leaving Inglis searching for answers in just her second career match against a top-10 opponent. The Polish star struck with her first break point to establish a 2-0 lead early, demonstrating the gulf in experience and ranking between the two players.
"It's a whole different level, isn't it?" observed commentator Sam Smith during the Nine Network broadcast, capturing the challenge Inglis faced against one of the sport's most formidable competitors.
No Quarter Given by the World No.2
Swiatek showed no remorse for her commanding position, continuing a pattern of dominant performances at major tournaments. At the same stage of last year's Australian Open, she dispatched surprise packet Eva Lys 6-0, 6-1 before going on to win Wimbledon with a stunning 6-0, 6-0 victory in the final.
"Swiatek is not going to really feel too bad about being 5-0 up against her opponent. No feeling sorry for Maddy Inglis out here, right?" commented former Australian player Alicia Molik during the match coverage.
Inglis' Fighting Spirit Shines Through
Despite the scoreline, Inglis demonstrated the resilience that has become her trademark throughout the tournament. After the first-set bagel, she delighted herself and the Rod Laver Arena crowd when she finally got on the board with a break to open the second set.
The moment prompted celebrations across the stadium, with Inglis throwing both arms in the air with a huge smile as she acknowledged cheers from spectators including Australian Olympic champions Ariarne Titmus, Ian Thorpe and Cathy Freeman.
"A break of serve that is celebrated across Australia, and look at the smile across Maddy Inglis's face," noted Katherine Downes on the world feed commentary.
Never-Say-Die Attitude
Smith highlighted Inglis' determination, referencing comments from her fiance Jason Kubler: "One thing we do know, and it's something that Maddy's fiance Jason Kubler said, he said she never, ever stops trying and it's a great quality. Whatever the situation, she keeps going. That's why she's still out there."
Inglis showed that fighting spirit again when she bounced back from the first-set disappointment to hold two break points in the opening game of the second frame. She continued to impress as she held serve later in the set and earned a break point with a forehand winner into the corner.
Career-Defining Week Despite Defeat
While the defeat ends Inglis' Australian Open journey, it does little to dampen what has been a career-defining week that sets her up for a potential breakthrough season. The 28-year-old qualified for the main draw within minutes of her fiance Jason Kubler doing so on the men's side, creating a special family moment at Melbourne Park.
Financial and Ranking Rewards
The "life-changing" $480,000 pay cheque coming Inglis' way has prompted significant discussion about her future prospects. Beyond the financial windfall, the prize money comes with valuable ranking points that will see her rise from world No.168 to approximately No.113.
This ranking boost creates genuine opportunities for the remainder of the season. With more positive results in coming months, Inglis could achieve a top-100 debut that would boost her hopes of automatic entry into the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open later this year.
Path to the Fourth Round
Inglis reached the second week in Melbourne courtesy of a walkover, with former world No.1 Naomi Osaka pulling out of their scheduled third-round match. However, her hard-fought wins earlier in the tournament against fellow Aussie Kimberly Birrell (world No.76) and Laura Siegemund (world No.48) demonstrated her genuine potential at this level.
Swiatek Advances to Quarter-Finals
Meanwhile, Swiatek moves on to a quarter-final clash against fifth seed Elena Rybakina. Their most recent meeting produced a wild 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory for Rybakina at the WTA Finals last year, ending a four-match losing streak in their head-to-head encounters.
For Inglis, the Australian Open experience has provided both financial security and competitive validation as she looks to build on this performance throughout the 2024 season. Her fighting display against one of the world's best players suggests there may be more memorable moments to come for the determined Australian.
